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=== Stage 2 ===
 
=== Stage 2 ===
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* Depends upon the number of foetuses, but usually lasts ~6 hours.
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* Straining indicates the onset of the second stage.
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* Bitch remains in her bed in sternal recumbency
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* 'Water bag' of the first foetus appears at the vulva, and attains the size of a golf ball.
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* Bitch licks the vulva vigorously and usually ruptures the 'water bag'.
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* Delivery of the head requires the greates effort, once this is bord the rest of the foetus follows easily.
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* Expulsion of the first foetus may take up to 1 hour.
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* Umbillical cord is intact at birth, the mother will soon bite it away.
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* Bitch rests for a time after the birth of the first puppy.
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** Lies licking the puppy, which soon begins to suckle.
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** Pays frequent attention to the vulva and licks any discharge.
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* Foetal membranes generally voided in 10-15 minutes and eaten by the bitch.
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* Straining recommences after a delay of 30 minutes - 2 hours.
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* Effort and time required for subsequent deliveries is usually less than the first.
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* May rest in between subsequent deliveries, but may not.  The period of rest is also very variable.
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* Puppies tend to be expelled from alternate horns (unlike the sow).
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* Expulsion of foetal membranes is also irregular, they may come out individually, or the next puppy may be born with the membranes of its predeccessor around its neck.
    
=== Stage 3 ===
 
=== Stage 3 ===
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